Feminist comedian has London university show cancelled 'in row over prostitution'

A prominent feminist comedian today claimed she had a stand-up gig at a London university cancelled in a row over prostitution.

Kate Smurthwaite was due to perform at Goldsmiths University on Monday evening but said her set was pulled with less than 24 hours' notice.

She said the row was sparked when a feminist group at the institution objected to her views on prostitution.

Ms Smurthwaite said she supports the 'Nordic model' on prostitution under which the purchaser but not the seller of sex faces criminal action.

She claimed some students had threatened to picket the gig at the university's campus in south-east London.

The university's Feminist Society, which Ms Smurthwaite blamed for the cancellation, denied any involvement in the decision to cancel the show.

Writing on her Facebook page, Ms Smurthwaite said she was told of the decision on Sunday.

"The strangest thing is that my show is not about prostitution," she wrote.

"I find it very strange that anyone would feel they couldn't enjoy a comedy show unless they agreed with 100% of the political views of the person performing."

Her show, 'Leftie Cockwomble', is described as having free speech as one of its main themes.

Comedian Jason Manford posted a message of support to her on Twitter, writing: "I'm angry for you."

A spokesman for Goldsmiths' Comedy Society said: "Despite many complaints from students about the content of Kate’s act in the past we were planning to go ahead with the gig until Kate told me 24 hours before that there was likely to be a picket with lots of students and non students outside the venue."